Type 2 diabetes that is brought on by obesity is a result of chronic inflammation.

Causes of insulin resistance

Research is continuing to look more closely into how insulin resistance develops.

It is thought that the principle cause of insulin resistance is obesity.

One theory suggests that central obesity (too much fat around the belly) causes the fat cells to become starved of oxygen and die.

It is thought that the body reacts with an inflammatory response which then sets off the start of insulin resistance. With insulin resistance being a key factor in type 2 diabetes, the same risk factors for type 2 diabetes generally apply for insulin resistance.

Diets high in saturated fats, trans-fats, refined carbohydrates and processed foods have been closely linked with chronic inflammation disorders and insulin resistance.

Symptoms of insulin resistance

One of the earliest and most noticeable symptoms of insulin resistance is weight gain, particularly around the middle.

Further symptoms include:

Lethargy

Hunger

Difficulty concentrating (brain fog)

High blood pressure is another common symptom which is caused by high circulating levels of insulin in the blood

If insulin resistance develops into prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, the symptoms will include include increased blood glucose levels and more of the classic symptoms of type 2 diabetes.

Can insulin resistance be reduced or reversed?

Losing weight can help to decrease the extent of insulin resistance.

Changing your diet can also help to halt the progression of or decrease the effect of insulin resistance.